In Hibs' rich history, no group of players has ever achieved greater fame than the Famous Five: Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, they forged a front line that was the scourge of defences throughout Scotland.

Johnstone was the first of the five to leave Hibs, when he was sold to Manchester City in 1955. He also enjoyed success with the English club, becoming the first player to score in successive FA Cup Finals at Wembley, in 1955 and 1956. Johnstone, who is also fondly remembered by supporters of Oldham Athletic, won 17 caps for Scotland.